Move over Hygge! 6 life mottos from around the world to inspire your 2017

'Hygge' (pronouced hoo-ga) was undoubtedly one of the biggest buzzwords of 2016, as many of us adopted a Scandinavian concept that defies literal translation, but roughly means embracing 'cosiness' and enjoying life's little pleasures.

While we're all for taking the Danes' lead by hunkering down under a cosy throw 'til spring, we got to thinking about all the other wellness words from around the world that have no exact counterpart in our culture. Could any of them have as much of an impact on us as Hygge?

Here, Celebrity Cruises' psychologist Dr Saima Latif runs through 6 untranslatable lifestyle terms from across the globe to get on your radar for a healthier and happier 2017, and explains just why we could all benefit from incorporating them into our everyday lives...

Pono

Where's it from? Hawaii

What does it mean? Living with a conscious decision to do the right thing for yourself, others and the environment.

What are the benefits? 'Pono is a state of balance and harmony,' says Dr Latif. '[It's] a spiritual concept that gives rise to an ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho'oponopono – a ritual of reconciliation and forgiveness leading to a spiritual cleansing. 2017 is crying out for it!'

We say: Making a concerted effort to do what is not only in your best interest but in everyone else's too sounds like a pretty good idea in our book.

Friluftsliv

Where's it from? Norway

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What does it mean? The idea that embracing nature and the outdoors offers positive, uplifting effects.

What are the benefits? 'Friluftsliv is the sense of being at one with nature,' says Dr Latif. 'It's not about conquering mountains or enduring stamina-testing expeditions. No, [it's] simpler, more contemplative – a walk outdoors or or marvelling at the night sky. Could this simple philosophy explain why the Norwegians are the second happiest people in the world?'

We say: Spending more time in the great outdoors in bound to do our health, mood and waistlines some serious good in 2017.

Wabi-sabi

Where's it from? Japan

What does it mean? The art of appreciating the imperfect world.

What are the benefits? 'Wabi-sabi is about embracing the imperfect and celebrating the worn, accepting the toll that life takes on us all,' says Dr Latif. 'It draws on the Buddhist notion of three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect. A charming translation is that 'wabi' means rustic simplicity and 'sabi' beauty that comes with age. This sense of appreciating simple, imperfect beauty, feels right for the times.'

We say: Anything that encourages to embrace imperfection is well worth our time! After all, sometimes we all need reminding that nothing and no one is really perfect.

Sisu

Where's it from? Finland

What does it mean? An attitude of courage and determination in the face of adversity.

What are the benefits? 'The Finnish concept of sisu is a blend of bravery and resilience,' says Dr Latif. 'It means having the guts to take action when the odds are against you and the grit, or resilience, to see those actions through... It's a belief system that will serve you well.'

We say: Almost everyone could stand to be a bit braver in life, so go seize the day and boost your gumption!

Jugaad

Where's it from? India

What does it mean? Encapsulating the spirit of frugal innovation.

What are the benefits? 'Jugaad encapsulates the spirit of being innovative when resources are scarce,' says Dr Latif. 'The phrase "necessity is the mother of invention" gives a sense of its meaning but a more current parallel might be "life hack" – a simple (but not immediately obvious) solution to a problem.

Jugaad has even been adopted as a management concept to unlock creativity, getting employees to think laterally in order find low-cost methods to increase productivity and efficiency.'

We say: Anything that helps us save money while sorting out niggling issues is DEFINITELY worth embracing in our eyes.

Gemütlichkeit

Where's it from? Germany

What does it mean? A state of belonging and social acceptance that promotes feeling at ease.

What are the benefits? 'Gemütlichkeit is akin to hygge,' says Dr Latif. 'It is a feeling of wellbeing and good cheer that comes from being in a comfortable place, with good friends, enjoying simple pleasures.'

We say: Making the effort to spend more time with the people in your life who make you feel comfortable and accepted sounds like a great resolution to us!

Will you be embracing any of these concepts in 2017? Let us know on Facebook.

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